Boletus aereus
dark cep

Boletus aereus is found mainly in central and southern Europe, being rare in colder climes such as England.

Tête de nègre ("negro's head"; Boletus aereus), much rarer than B. edulis, is more highly regarded by gourmets, and more expensive.

Boletus aereus is a bolete, an edible mushroom frequently consumed in the Basque Country, Navarre, France and Italy.

In 2008, a taxonomic revision of western North American populations initially thought to represent Boletus aereus, formally established them as a separate species, Boletus regineus.

These characteristics distinguish it visually from relatives such as Boletus edulis, Boletus reticulatus and Boletus aereus.

The genus 'Boletus' contains many members which are edible and tasty, most notably, the 'Boletus edulis' (Porcini) group, including 'Boletus aereus' and 'Boletus pinophilus', though many others are eaten as well, such as 'Boletus badius'.